The program leads to a certificate of applied science in health information coding. It is designed to enable students to work in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, consulting firms and software companies, according to Stephanie Gray, program development manager at Gallatin College MSU.

The program curriculum begins with basic computer, communications and writing courses that are designed specifically for workplace needs. Students will then move into medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology and coding. The final semester includes specifics of medical coding, biology and an introduction to the legal aspects of coding.

After completing the required 35 hours of course work, students will be eligible to take a certifying examination offered through the American Health Information Management Association. The program follows standards set forth by the association’s certification program.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites medical records and health information technicians as one of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the U.S., and new health information graduates with a certificate of applied science degree are projected to earn $21,000 to $30,000 annually, Gray said.